Chapter 5 Part 2

Please see "Chapter You May Have Missed" for previous chapters/parts.


The two, along with little Camden, stood from the table and skated over to the locker which held their belongings. Neo handed Lelani the small key to the locker and turned his attention back to Camden who was sitting on the bench flinging his legs back and forth on the carpeted floor making the wheels of the skates spin. As Neo helped Camden with his skates, Lelani pulled their coats and shoes from the locker, placing them on the bench next to Camden. She let the door of the locker swing shut, revealing Tayla’s short stature on the other side. She stepped backed and looked up at Andre, who was standing just behind her nemesis.

“Leaving so soon? I told you not to try and run, didn’t I?”

“I’m not running.”

“So let me get this straight. You’re not running but you’re not staying for the countdown either?”

“Tayla, I think it’s none of your business what I’m doing or where I’m going.”

“So if you won’t tell her then I think you should tell me. Why do you keep running away from me, Jicole.”“

“I asked you not to call me that anymore, Andre.”

“Oh, so now it’s Andre. Seriously, we need to talk. You owe me and explanation.”

“I know, but this is not the time, nor is this the place.”

“So when is? I just can’t seem to get a hold of you these days. You so busy dealing with ole boy, you aint got time for shit.”

“Don’t disrespect him like that. Leave him out of this.”

“You need to tell me what’s up, Lelani.”

“Look, if you wanna talk, then meet me at Lake Eola in 30 minutes. Alone.”

“Don’t have me go out there and you not show. I’m tired of playing games with you, girl.”

“No games. Straight up. Eola, 30 minutes.”

Dre nodded in agreement and turned to leave. When Tayla lingered, he snatched her by her upper arm and pulled her away. He didn’t want her messing up anything between him and Lelani, even if it was just an impromptu meeting to discuss things. Lelani turned around and looked over at Neo. He stood and gave her a long hug. He softly whispered into her ear. He offered to accompany her to the lake, but she declined. She felt that it was time that she face Dre, and she knew that she would have to do it alone.

After leaving the skating rink, Lelani drove Neo and Camden back to their hotel. The Grand Bohemian was a luxury hotel in downtown Orlando that catered to the upper-class wealthy, superstars, and professional athletes. She pulled into the underground hotel drive and let the two out at the entrance. Neo suggested that she return after her meeting with Dre and gave her the spare key to his suite. He lightly kissed her cheeck and squeezed her hand before exiting her car. As a tear fell from her eye, she smiled at Neo’s thoughtfulness and drove off.

By the time Lelani reached the lake park, 25 minutes had nearly past. She got out and headed towards the swings. The cold, chilly air breezed through her hair. The moon was high in the sky; she could tell it was almost midnight. The light reflected off the lake’s water. She could hear the sound of the waters running over the fountain, that marked the center of the lake, splash against its stone frame. Lelani took a seat in one of the swings and twisted her feet around in the sand. She dropped her head and took a deep breathe. In just a few minutes everything would be coming into the light.

In the distance, Lelani heard footsteps crunching on the icy grass. She looked up to see a tall slender figure appear in the darkness. The silhouette resembled Dre’s. Unsure what the next few moments held, Lelani dropped her head once more and prepared for the confrontation.
Dre approached the swings and took one next to Lelani. He was quite, and with each passing moment, the tension between the ex-lovers grew. There wasn’t much to be done, they both knew they each had a story to tell and the air to clear. Lelani untwisted her feet and pushed off ground, thrusting her self into motion. The rusty chains echoed as she swung. Andre peeled himself from the swing and placed himself in position behind Lelani, initiating a push to return her forward.

“I’m sorry, Lelani. I never meant to hurt you.”

“Really? You could have fooled me. You you realize that what you did started all this? You sleeping with my best friend was like the first domino falling in a domino chain.”

“I know I fucked up, but you left me no choice. You thought school was more important than I was. I needed attention that you weren’t willing to give me. Shawnda was there and it just happened.”

“No, things like that just don’t happen, Dre. Especially since you did it so publicly! I mean, everyone knew! I was looking like a straight dumbass.”

“I’m trying to apologize. I been trying to apologize. You ran away. You didn’t even give me a chance to make amends for it.”

“What could you have done? The deed was done. You fucked her! There’s no taking that back!”

“Ok, there’s no excusing my actions, but only God’s words could describe what I was feeling when your mom told me that you left to Miami. You didn’t even tell me. You just left!”

“You made that decision. I left because you did some foul shit. That wasn’t something I wanted us to go through.”

“Us? We didn’t go through anything cuz you left me. So what the hell are you talking about.”

“Dre, the day that you and Shawnda happened, I found out that I was pregnant. When I found you guys at her house, I was on the way over there to talk to her about it. I didn’t expect you to be there doing what you were doing.”

“What?!?!? You were pregnant?”

“Yeah, Dre. Pregnant. I was scared when I found out and I needed someone. I wanted to tell you but then that other shit threw me.”

“Lelani, I had no idea.”

Dre pulled the swing to a stop and walked in front of his ex-girlfriend. He grabbed her hand and led her over to the jungle gym platform to sit down. She slid in next to him and rested her head on the cold pole that made up the gym framework. She held back the tears that were welling in her eyes.

Dre confessed the details of his affair with Shawnda. He told Lelani that she had called him over and asked him to help her with a problem she was having with her car. After several attempts to get it up and running, he told her to call his friend at the detail shop he worked at. Dre ended his tale with the sexual particulars. His tone was remorseful and Lelani could tell that he was being sincere in his apologetic attitude.

When Dre finished his confession, Lelani picked up on her end of the misunderstanding. She told him about why she went as far as to move to Miami to distance herself from him. She explained that she didn’t want the abortion, but without knowing if their relationship was going to continue, she wasn’t going to drag a child through the stress and pain that she was already feeling. Admitting to the petty antics she used to avoid him, she apologized.

“It wasn’t easy for me, and I know it wasn’t easy for you. I never told you about the baby and it was your right to know.”

“I can’t believe you would do that. And even if you had wanted that, how could you just go through with it by yourself? I was suppose to be there, no matter what.”

“Well, there’s no changing it now. Its over. We’re over. Sad but true.”

“It doesn’t have to be that way. I still love you, Lelani.”

“I will always have love for you, Dre, but I’m in love with someone else now.”

“That dude from the rink?”

“Yeah. And he cares for me, too. I can’t abandon what I have with him for something that may or may not work between us.”

“Understandable. But I do want you to know something else.”

“What?”

“Shawnda and I have a child together. She got pregnant that day.”

“Really? I didn’t know. I never spoke to her after that. I put her on my black list. What you guys have?”

“A little girl. We named her Cicely Jicole.”

“Wow. Why would you do that?”

“After two of the ladies I truly love. You and my mom.”

“How does Shawnda feel about that?”

“She didn’t care. After she had her, she started trippin out. I have custody of Cicely. Shawnda comes by every now and then, but not enough.”

“Sorry to hear that. Well I wish you the best with her.”

“Thank you.”

A silence came over the conversation again. This time, the tension seem to be less invasive. Looking down at the time on his phone, Dre told Lelani he needed to get back to Cicely to bring in the New Year. They stood from the platform and they both walked over to Lelani’s car. He opened the driver side door and let her get in. He squatted down next to her in the seat and kissed her forehead. Dre apologized one last time and wished Lelani the best. He closed the door and stood in the street, watching her pull off into the night.

Lelani arrived back at the Grand Bohemian a short time later. She glanced down at the clock display and it was 10 minutes before midnight. She hurriedly exited the car and paced the hotel foyer to the elevators. She didn’t want to miss the countdown. She pulled the key from her pocket and inserted it into the door lock of room 2701. Inside the suite, she heard the echo of Dick Clark’s voice coming from the TV. She turned the corner leading into the living space, seeing Camden stretched out on the sofa and Neo curled up behind him, both asleep. They were draped in a Miami Heat fleece throw.

Lelani removed her shoes from her feet and stepped down in the living area. She leaned over Camden and kissed Neo awake. He pushed his hand into her hair, using his thumb to stroke her face. Lelani broke the kiss and stepped backward. Neo slowly removed his arm from underneath Camden‘s head, trying not wake him. Neo and Lelani made their way into the next room and closed the door. The couple brought in the new year making love.



Mykell awoke into the new year to the sound of her cell phone ringing. She rolled over and checked the display. After her eyes focused on the number, she mashed the ignore button and set the phone back upon the night table. She lifted the comforter up above her head and adjusted the pillow comfortably beneath her head.

Just as she was drifting back off to sleep, her phone rang for a second time. She reached out and pulled it into her makeshift cocoon under the covers and flipped it open to answer it. She said hello twice before the voice on the other end spoke.

“Hey, big head. Happy New Year!”

“Who is this?”

“Oh, you don’t know me no more?”

“If I did, I wouldn’t have asked.”

“Damn. Same slick mouth I used to know. It’s D, girl.”

“What do you want, boy?”

“I called to see how you was doing. I haven’t spoken to you since Palm Beach.”

“So why call me now. Don’t you think if I wanted to talk to you I would have called you?”

“I thought it was because you’ve been so busy modeling. You know you miss me.”

“Um, not really. Besides, you’re with Torrance. Why should I even care?”

“Cuz it’s me! Don’t start acting like that now. Torrance is a right now chick. She don’t mean nothing to me. I want you, Mykell.”

“You only want me now because you can’t have me. When I wanted you, you was playing me. Now look who’s getting played.”

“You think it’s a game. I will have you! Like I told you in Pam Beach, that’s my pussy!”

“Ha! You wish, nigga.”

“Aight, bet.”

Before Mykell had a chance to respond, Dayshawn ended the call. Mykell searched through her phonebook and dialed Dallas’ number. Before he could say good-morning, Mykell hurriedly informed him of her conversation with Dayshawn. Dallas calmed her so he could clearly get the entire story. She repeated it slowly, leaving no detail out. Dallas reassured his girlfriend that he would handle the situation. The two continued to talk until Dallas got another call.

Unable to go back to sleep after talking to Dallas, Mykell peeled back the covers and swung her body into a sitting position. She slid her feet into the plush slippers sitting on the floor next to the bed and walked across the room to exit. Mykell smelled the aroma of a southern breakfast flowing down the hall. Her mother Georgetta must have been in the kitchen early preparing the meals for the day. A tradition for her family was to have all of her extended family over for New Year’s dinner.

The light shone through the skylight in the kitchen, brightening the breakfast table. Mykell slid into the chair centered in the bay window and began fixing her plate with food. She watched her mom season the chicken lying in the sink. The silence between them continued from the previous night. Her mother looked up from the chicken and eyed Mykell with sadness.

“You can‘t say good morning, girl?” Georgetta directed towards her oldest daughter.

“Sorry. Good morning, mama,” answered Mykell.

“Why don’t you just get up and say it? Why do I have to ask you to say it?”

“Is it that serious?”

“Not serious, just a little respectful to speak to people. I taught you better than that, missy.”

“Didn’t mean to be disrespectful, mama. Just a little upset.”

“Why? What could have possibly upset you this early?”

“Nothing that Dallas can’t handle. I’m ok.”

“Well since you brought it up. Who is this Dallas character anyway? I mean you told me his name before but who is he?”

“He’s just a guy, ma. A nice guy.”

“That’s it? Just some nice guy?”

“Yeah, just some random nice guy I know.”

“If you say so, Mykell. Hurry and finish that breakfast. I got things to do at that table.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And your sister and Quentin will be here later. I expect you to be cordial.”

“Why should I be? Quentin robbed my sister of her young adult years by knocking her up and marrying her.”

“Mykell, watch your mouth. Your sister got herself into that. It was not just Quentin’s doing. He was just man enough to step up. So I don’t want you bad mouthing him.”

“Whatever. Well, don’t expect too much more than that from me.”

“Now that’s enough. If you cant anything nice or respectable, then I suggest you keep your mouth closed.”

“If you say so.”

Mykell finished her breakfast and retreated back into her room. She took a seat at her computer and powered it on. As it booted up, she thought about Dallas, as she could only imagine what he was doing. Mykell went through the motions of checking her emails and personal web pages. She had gotten a few modeling inquiries in her profile page at BPI’s website, but nothing that she really wanted.

An instant message window popped up from a user that wasn’t on her buddy list. She hit the accept button, curious to who would be contacting her via instant message. She maximized the message window and read the message.

“I told you that you would hear from me again.”

“Who is this?”

“Don’t worry about that. You will soon see. I’m at your house right now. Waiting for you to come home.”

“Ha. I’m not home, so you’re wasting your time.”

“I know. But you have to come home sometime. And I will be here waiting on you when you do.”
"
“Whatever. Well, whoever you are, I’m not scared. My boyfriend has connections and can make you disappear. So keep playing!”

“Are you trying to scare me with your boyfriend? I don’t think he’s that dedicated to you.”

“How would you know. You poppin shit via internet. You playing internet gangsta, fo real.”

“Trust me. I’m real. Just wait and see, lil mama.”

The mysterious persona, signed on as MykellIAm4U, quickly signed off and left Mykell wondering much. She paced across the room and pulled her cell from the table. Mykell dialed Dallas’ number in hopes of reaching him again. The other end rang until Dallas’ voicemail answered. She left a brief message for him to return her call. She replaced her phone on the night table, trying to slow her racing heart. Although she tried desperately to convince herself otherwise, Mykell was still skeptical about the extent of her relationship with Dallas.

Without letting her instant message conversation interfere with the rest of her day, she set her thoughts aside and prepared for the family gathering.

Chapter 5, Part 1 : Everything Comes to the Light

Please see "Chapters You May Have Missed" for previous chapters/parts.

Chapter 5: Everything Comes to the Light

Outside, the wind blew softly. The holiday lights running the length of the roof’s edge, accompanied by the neon sign of the roller rink, illuminated the parking lot. Lelani pulled into a space and shifted into park. She turned around in her seat and flashed a soft smile at Camden. He shifted his weight forward and flashed an innocent one in return.

The overhead light switched on when Neo opened the passenger side door. He got out and opened the rear door to let his son out. Lelani was the last to exit. The cold air hit her, sending a shiver over her body. The threesome hustled into the skating rink out of the cold weather. Inside, Neo paid the entrance fee, rented each of them skates, and reserved them a locker to hang their coats.

The New Years’ crowd at the skating rink was always much bigger than any other day of the year. Neo and Camden drove up for the Orlando versus Miami basketball game earlier that week and decided to spend the holiday with Lelani, as she was visiting her parents while still on break from school. Orlando was a beautiful city with many things for them to do. Throughout the week, Neo and Lelani had taken Camden to Disney World, Universal Studios, and Seaworld. The few weeks apart had been had been like months and Neo wanted to spend as much time showing Lelani that she was a special person in his life.

Camden held the wall as his father stood him up on the skates. The wheels rolled beneath his feet uncontrollably and sent him crashing to the floor. Lelani rushed over to comfort him.

“Aww, poor baby. You alright, sweetie?”

“Yes ma’am. I can’t do this. Its too hard.”

“Yes you can. You haven’t even tried yet. I’ll hold your hand and we’ll do it together. OK?”

“And daddy, too?”

“Yeah and daddy, too. Right, daddy?”

“Yep. I’m right behind you.”

“Can we stay near the wall. Its scary out in the middle.”

“Yep, whatever you want, Camden.”

“You and your dad go ahead. I need to go to the bathroom first.”

“Ok. Hurry though, ok?”

“I will, Cam.”

Lelani skated away in the direction of the restroom. Neo grabbed his son’s hand and carefully escorted him to the skating floor. He skated backward in front of Camden, being careful not to trip himself in the course of assisting his son. Camden fearfully braced the wall and shuffled his skates back and forth, letting his father do most of the work.

In the restroom, Lelani slid into the first available stall and proceeded with her personal business. Just as she was opening the door to step out of the stall, two ladies walked into the restroom. Lelani recognized one of the voices and silently pushed the door back into it’s closed position. The echo of the female’s ghetto dialect sent nervous ripples over Lelani. The two ladies congregated at the sink in front of the mirror.

“Yeah, so she was cold busted as we were walking out. Then, you know this nigga chases after her?!”

“Whuuut?!”

“Yeah chick. So I’m like screaming after him sayin “Ain’t no use trying to run behind her sorry, slimy ass. She ain’t nothing but a trick anyway.”

“Right. Yeah, then what happened?”

“He still ran after her. I been tryn to tell him this entire time-- since they got together--I don’t know what Andre ever saw in her corny ass.”

“Yeah she ain’t that fly.”

Lelani peaked through the open seam of the door to confirm her suspicions. The female voice on the other side of the door belonged to her long time adversary, Tayla. Her anger started to boil at Tayla’s ignorant testimonial. The restroom stall door couldn’t confine her any longer. Lelani yanked the door back, causing the hinges to rattle.

Lelani stepped out from inside the stall. Her body towered over the two women standing at the mirror. Echoes of the rink DJ announcing the next song bounced into the restroom. Other than his voice in the distant background, the room was silent. Tayla and her friend noticed Lelani’s reflection in the mirror. Lelani approached the Tayla with a malice look emanating from her eyes into Tayla‘s mirror image. Lelani clenched her hands into fists and primed for an altercation . Although her voice was shaky, she assertively addressed Tayla about her prior comments.

“What’s your fuckin problem, Tayla?”

“Oh so NOW you’re all confrontational. If you really wanna know. you’re my problem. You think you can run around doing whatever the fuck you want. Andre may put up with it but I don’t.”

“You’re in here running off at the mouth about me, but back in Miami, you were the one for little words.”

“Don’t come at me like that. You know what it is.”

“What is it then? Please tell me cuz I would like to know.”

“I’m not the one you need to be addressing all your fuckin hostility towards. Why aren’t you this forthcoming when Dre’s around?”

“What happens between me and Dre is our business. Not for you to be running around the world talkin shit.”

“I’m sure you wouldn’t be all cocky if Dre was around.”

“And what would make you think that? I’m not scared of to say anything in front of fuckin Dre. I’ll tell him the same thing I’m telling you.”

“Well, sweetie, tonight’s your chance. Dre’s here, too. So I’m sure we’ll see you around tonight. Oh and don’t try running off like a bitch like you did in Miami.”

“What-the-fuck-ever.”

Tayla smugly walked around Lelani, with her friend in tow. Her unwavering composure led Lelani to believe that Dre was in fact there at the rink. It was New Year’s Eve and for the length of her relationship with Dre, they made an annual appearance at the skating rink. There was nothing which she knew that would stop him from coming, not even the fact that they had long been broken up. But fro some reason it had never crossed her mind that he would be there that night. She turned to walk out the restroom, knowing that she could possibly run into Dre while returning to Neo and Camden.

Thankfully, nothing transpired en route to Neo and his son on the rink floor. Lelani found the two shuffling slowly near the side wall off the first turn. She smile at the site of Neo helping his son learn to skate. Camden was a mini version of his father, with the same honey brown eyes and creamy complexion, and he had the makings of an upstanding gentleman, if Neo continued to groom his son as his father had done for him. Neo looked up at Lelani and gave her a quirky glimpse. She laughed to herself and returned the face.

The DJ interrupted the song blasting over the speakers and announced a dedication. He mixed in a classic slow jam and declared it a couple’s skate. People cleared the rink floor for the couples, leaving Lelani, Neo, and Camden scrabbling for the nearest floor exit. Lelani led the threesome to a booth nearby the concession stand and slid into the bench seat. Neo lifted Camden into the adjacent seat and slipped in next to Lelani. He rested his arm on the back of the bench behind Lelani, pulling her closer to him by her shoulder. She rested her head against the fold where his arm met his body. Camden folded his arms on the table top and rested his chin on top of them, innocently looking upon the two lovers with enjoyment.

“You guys hungry? Want some hotdogs or something?”

“Yeah, with mustard and relish!”

“What about you Lani? You want something?”

“Not now. My stomach is uneasy.”

“Why? What’s wrong, babe.”

“Nothing serious. Just a little upset.”

“Maybe you gotta fart. That’s what daddy says when my stomach gets bubbly.”

“I don’t know, Camden. I don’t think that’s the problem, lil one.”

“Your dad’s right. That’s not it, but thank you, Dr. James.”

“The bill is in the mail,” Camden said with a grin, sitting back.

“How about some water to settle you nerves?”

“Make it a bottled water, please and thank you, baby.”

Neo left the two sitting at the table to get the refreshments. A few minutes later, the music changed and the DJ announced an all-skate. A rush of people blew pass the table headed for the rink floor. Lelani proposed another round on the rink floor but Camden quickly shook off her request, anxiously awaiting his smothered hotdog. Lelani was amused by his youthful deportment; there were so many things she loved about kids and Camden made them resurface.
She looked at Camden’s face as it began to morph into a chocolate-toned little girl. Her hair was pulled into ponytails, fastened with shimmering bobbles. The dimple craters in her cheeks accented her bright smile and innocent eyes. She opened her mouth and began to laugh. The young girl’s laughs sobered and tears began to stream down her face. Her sobs echoed in Lelani’s ears. The little girl looked up into Lelani’s eyes and mouthed the word “why.” Lelani’s eyes filled with tears and her heart began to hurt.

The memory of her forgotten child replayed over in her head. She recalled that fateful day standing in the doorway of the bathroom in the apartment she shared with Dre. The white strip lay atop the sink counter as she hovered over it. The display window slowly creamed over revealing her pregnancy results. Positive. She pushed the second strip next to the first and compared the results. There was no mistaking it, she was pregnant with her first love's child. Her heart grew heavier and the pressure in her stomach increased with nausea.

The image flashed in her head and skipping past like fast forwarding through a movie. The new scene was one she remembered vividly. She rolled her head from one side of the exam table towards the window. She felt the nurse squeeze her hand and coach her through the remaining few moments of the termination procedure. Closing her eyes, she recalled how the silhouette of her unborn child looked on the ultrasound monitor. The tiny legs, hands, and feet all positioned on the tiniest body with a distinctive round head that reminded her of Dre‘s. The buzzing of the evacuation machine resonated in the room and over and over in her mind. A single tear rolled down her face and silently splashed on the paper stretched beneath her. The pressure she felt in her stomach just a moment before moved downward, lingering in between her thighs.

The images flashed again fast forwarding through the weeks she drained her body of water from crying herself to sleep, the days she lost trying to avoid Dre, and the hours she spent plotting her escape from the life she had been fed up with living. Her true reality was ready to come into the light. Lelani could feel it in her body that her secret was surfacing, much faster and so much sooner than she had wished.

As her mind went blank, the pressure that once ached in her lower body shifted to her shoulders. Lelani cleared her mind and returned from its temporary state of imagination. She turned to find a hand gripping tightly on her shoulder. Lelani traced the path up the arm the hand was attached to. Neo was standing over her speaking. Her ears were deaf on his words. She could see his mouth moving but nothing was coming out. Lelani closed her eyes, squeezing the built up teardrops out the corners of their almond shape. The tears clouded her vision as she slowly reopened her eyes. Neo stood over her incessantly shaking her, yet still Lelani was unresponsive.

A cold stream of water splashed against her cheeks. The stinging pain of a damp slap on the face awoke Lelani from her fugue state. She covered her pale cheek with her palm and cut her eyes up at Neo. Neo glared back down at her with concern. He placed his hand over hers and tried soothing her pain.

“Hey, are you ok? You zoned out for a minute.”

“Umm, yeah. I think. Did you just slap me?”

“Sorry. I’ve been calling you, but you didn’t answer. You were looking up at me, but it was like you weren’t here.”

“So you slap me?”

“What else was I suppose to do, Lani? You were acting strange. You’ve been acting strange since we got here.”

“But Neo, you slapped me!”

“Calm down. It wasn’t that kind of a slap. I didn’t do it to hurt you, just to wake you up, or whatever.”

“I’m shocked that you would do something like that. You slapped me!”

“Lelani, I think you’re taking this a bit too far!”

“Daddy, are you ok? You’re not getting mad are you?”

“No Cam. Papi’s not mad. Finish you hot dog.” Neo turned back to Lelani, “Are you sure you’re ok now? Do you want to leave?”

“No I don’t want to leave, but I cant have you slapping me in public. I know some of these people around here.”

“What are you talking about? Nobody is watching us.”

“You don’t know that Neo!”

“Why are you yelling? What’s the deal?”

“You slapped me!!”

“Lelani. I didn’t slap you to slap you. Look, if its such a big deal we can leave. I wouldn’t want to send the wrong message to any of these people that may know you.”

“Oh, so now its my fault? Remember you slapped me.”

“What’s wrong with you, baby. You’re acting weird and its making me nervous. What happened in the bathroom?”

“The bathroom?” Lelani took a short pause and recalled the incident from the restroom. "Nothing happened in the bathroom. What would make you say that?”

“Because you were happy as hell before you went and then you come out and everything seems different.”

“Nothing is different except for the fact that you just slapped me.”

“Well I’m sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable but you really zoned out. I was worried that something was seriously wrong with you. You were crying and looking straight up at me but you didn’t respond to anything I was saying.”

“I didn’t realize I was out of it. I just remember looking over and Camden and then…”

Lelani cut her sentence short when the images and memories of her love child with Andre played again in her thoughts. She choked back her tears and slumped back against the back of the chair. Neo could tell what was on her mind. As he did the night she confessed her past to him, he wrapped his arms around her shuddering body and calmed her. He whispered into her ear words of comfort. Camden looked on with confusion, still engulfed in the remaining bites of his hotdog.

“Baby, who did you see in the bathroom?”

“Tayla. She was in there running her mouth about me. She told me that he’s here.”

“Who Andre?”

“Yeah and I just got to thinking about the baby. I don’t know if I can handle the confrontation. Can we leave?”

“Yeah. I can see this is too much for you. Lets go.”

Chapter 4, Part 2

Please see "Chapters U May Have Missed" for previous chapter/parts.

The sun rose, shining its light into the bedroom window. The ceiling fan blew a breeze across Mykell’s toes that were exposed from under the comforter. She pulled the bodypillow into her body and smile. The scent of sex lingered in the air. She could still feel his heavy frame pressed against her back. Mykell slid the bottom half of the pillow between her legs trying to shield the urge to roll over and again conquer her boss. Dallas had spent several nights over since the trip to West Palm Beach weeks ago. Since that night of freakish passion, she enjoyed the luxury and company of her agent.

The pain growing in her loins erupted. Without any luck of suppressing the pleasurable pain, Mykell pulled the cover over her head and planted her body in the middle of the bed, straddling Dallas’ legs. His manhood rested limply upon his thigh. She gently took it into her hands and stroked it. She let the saliva, accumulating in her mouth, dribble down the head. The allure of swallowing Dallas whole encompassed her and she took him into her mouth. She suckled him until he began to stir. Dallas’ hands embraced her shoulders. He intermixed his fingers into the ringlets of her hair and held on while Mykell went to work exploiting him.

The heat and wetness increased inside her mouth. Slowly, but vehemently, Mykell brought Dallas erect. He pulled the coverings back away from their bodies. His eyes opened and looked down upon her as she consummately worked. Just as he reached his peak rigidity, she pulled away from his member and released her grip. Mykell rocked back onto her knees and gazed down at Dallas. He softly stroked her thighs and followed up to her waist. She gave him a devilish smile.

“Good morning. Ready for some more?”

“Of course. That was great.”

“Oh, baby, it gets better.”

“Really? What’s next?”

“How do you want it?”

“I mean, I’m feeling the whole wakin’-a-brotha-out-his-sleep thing you got going. So right now, the way I’m feeling about you, I would want to do missionary cause I think you are beautiful and I would want to embrace you and look you in the eye as I pleased you.”

“Really. And what else?”

“I wanna whisper in your ear because I’m so happy that you’re so willing to share your gift with me.”

“And do you wanna make me happy? Do you want me to make you happy?”

“Right now? Hell yeah.”

Dallas tenderly flipped Mykell onto her back. He pushed her legs apart and buried his face between her thighs. Her wetness filled his mouth and flowed down his throat. He slid his tongue between her pussy lips and licked her clit, making her thighs tighten around his neck. He threw her legs up and pushed them toward her chest, to better access her blood-filled gift. Her clit harden in excitement and her ass rose from the bed. He explored her insides with his tongue and enjoyed her savory flavor.

Without warning, he pushed himself inside her, pulling her down on his dick as far as her insides would allow. Dallas leaned in over her body and blew into her ear. Mykell’s breathing was filled with passion. She began to call out to Dallas. He whispered into her ear to soothe her. He grew inside her walls, creating a mold of himself permanently engraved inside her. He lost all sense of control and finally gave into his desires. The former occasions involving the two had been merely incidental, impromptu moments. His feelings had evolved and, now, were uncontainable. Dallas gave Mykell everything he had wanted to give her since the first day their paths had crossed at the open call. He pushed so deep inside her, Mykell began to cry out and tears rolled from her eyes. Again, he whispered into her ear.

“Sweet beautiful, Mykell. Are those tears of pleasure or pain?”

“Tears of pleasure. I feel you so much, I couldn’t help myself,” she said between moans.

“Good, because I never want to hurt you, at least not in a bad way.”

“Just keep doing what you’re doing. Work my body, Dallas.”

Dallas continued to work over Mykell. He had memorized his stroke and fell into it rhythmically. Mykell clawed at his back with every thrust. She invitingly spread her legs wider, as to make herself more accessible. As she opened herself up to him, Dallas exploded inside, letting his juices run the gauntlet of her body. As if on queue, she poured herself. Together, the hot mixture ran from her body onto the sheets. Dallas dismounted and rolled over onto his side.

The two lovers lay next to each other for a few silent moments before moving. Mykell steadied her breathing and stroked the last of Dallas’ fluids from his body. Dallas fought back a second arousal, but the touch of Mykell’s palm wrapped seductively around his shaft brought him back at attention. He pulled away from her grasp and stood from the bed. Confused, Mykell pushed herself up on her elbows. She followed Dallas around the room with her eyes. He walked over to her side of the bed and yanked her up on her feet.

Dallas covered Mykell’s mouth with his. Lifting her up, he pushed her back against the wall near the window. Mykell steadied herself, wrapping one hand around the curtains and the other around Dallas’ neck. He entered her for the second time that morning but it still felt as if he was making love to her for the first time. His body quivered in excitement. His pumps were relentless and he thought about nothing else but her.

The moment was near perfection. He was enjoying her body and satisfying his insatiable appetite for Mykell’s spirit. He had never experienced this type of joy and pleasure with any other woman, not even his fiancée Tayla. At that moment, thinking of Tayla, Dallas stopped. He looked upon Mykell’s face and saw an immense amount of satisfaction, all due to him. He, again, placed his mouth over Mykell’s and kissed her deeply. He reached up, removing one hand from her thigh, and brushed her hair off her face. Dallas broke the kiss and moved his lips across her cheek to her ear.

“Damn, girl, I think I’m falling for you.”

“What?”

“Yeah, I think I love you.”

“Dallas, are you sure? Please don’t say it unless you mean it.”

“I mean it, Mykell. I love you.”

“What about Tayla? What about your engagement?”

“That’s not going to be an issue anymore. I want you.”

“Oh, baby. Show me how much you love me.”

Dallas resumed his strokes. He cupped her breast and fed himself her body. He was determined to show her every bit of love he held for her. When he was ready, he released his love as far deep within her as he could. Mykell felt the warm load stream into her body causing her to explode. She shuddered in Dallas’ arms and freed the curtains from her grasp. Slowly, Dallas lifted her body and laid her back upon the bed. Just as he was climbing in next to her, a knock came from the door.

“Hey, Mykell. Don’t forget that we’re leaving this morning. I hope you’ll be ready.”

“Yeah. I haven’t forgot.”

“Where you going?”

“Home. For the holidays. That’s why I invited you over last night. I probably wont be back until the Spring semester starts.”

“Damn, baby, that’s a few weeks. What am I going to do without you here?”

“The same thing you been doing. Building your empire.”

“You mean our empire? I was for real about making you my official chick.”

“Yeah but you have a chick already. What about that situation?”

“I told you, that won’t be an issue anymore. I’m gonna take care of that soon.”

“I guess but you should really think about what you’re doing before you go doing it.”

“What are you trying to say? You don’t wanna be my girl? The head lady of my empire?”

“I would love to be your one and only, but you have other things on your plate right now preventing that from happening.”

“I told you not to worry about that.”

“Yeah, but I have to because its my life too. If you’re making moves, I’m making moves with you. And what effects you, effects me.”

“I like how you think, but some things are gonna have to be solely my problems.”

“Well then, you handle your problems before you come asking me to be in the game with you.”

“Understandable. Just don’t give up on me yet, Mykell.”

“I’m cool. Just handle that first.”

“In my mind, its already done.”

“In reality, its not.”

Mykell rolled away from Dallas. She was frustrated at the fact that he could just pass his relationship with Tayla off so effortlessly. She never had intentions of breaking up their relationship. All she wanted was a good shot in the industry that Dallas was so generous to provide. Sleeping with Dallas was just an added bonus and a easy way to get better jobs. Although she had enjoyed his company, her actions had given her so much more than she bargained for.

Mykell grabbed her robe from off the hook on the back of her closet door and wrapped it around her body. She left the room and headed to the bathroom to shower. Dallas gathered his clothes from the desk chair and redressed himself. Quietly, he let himself out the front door.

He walked down the staircase and got into his truck. He pulled his cell phone from the dash cradle and checked the call log. Tayla had called several times over the course of the night. He hit the send button, put the phone on speaker, and replaced the phone to its cradle. The voicemail system played through his messages.

Message 1: “Hey babe. Its me. Just wanted to find out where you were. Thought we were having dinner tonight. Call me.”

Message 2: “Ok…its me again. Me and Andre are at the restaurant waiting on you. Let me know something.”

Message 3: “Where the fuck you at? You making me look dumb in front of my brother. We’re going back to the house. You have some serious explaining to do when you come home.”

Tayla’s last message was filled with anger. Dallas prepared himself for a confrontation on his drive home. He wondered how he would break the news to Tayla that he had fallen in love with Mykell. After all, over the past year, it was Tayla that had his back and stuck by him in the first months of BPI’s development. His thoughts were interrupted by the blaring horn coming from the car behind him. He turned the corner of his housing block and approached the home he had just purchased. The driveway led up to a large contemporary house. There was a large panel of 10 ft windows on the front side of the house, revealing an open foyer. The landscaping was a makeshift Japanese rock garden, including a waterfall centerpiece.

Dallas pushed the button on the garage door opener to lift the access door. He slowly pulled inside, parking next to Tayla’s car. He turned off the ignition and waited a moment before entering the house. He advanced toward the door and pushed the button to close the garage door. The door flew open and there stood Tayla, chest heaving and with a flew blown attitude on her face.

Dallas apprehensively walked through the threshold. He deposited his keys into the dish on the side table and continued through the kitchen. Tayla slammed the door shut and followed him into the house. Dallas intentionally ignored her antics and proceeded to pour himself a glass of fruit juice. Tayla stepped less than a foot from his body and inhaled deeply as if she was searching for a scent.

“I knew it. You smell like pussy. So who is she? One of those bitches you manage?”

“Does it matter? It aint you.”

“Nigga, you lost your mind!? How could you do this to us? How could you do this to yourself?”

“Do what, Tayla? Be happy?”

“Oh so that bitch is making you happy? Is that why you couldn’t bring your ass home last night?”

“You fuckin’ right she makes me happy. But that don’t matter to you. You was just here for the money anyway. Well guess what, baby, the free ride stops now!”

“What!!!?? Dallas, I’ve been with you for over a year and I was there when you didn’t have shit! Trust me, that little chump change you making was not the reason I stayed with your ass. I thought we were in love. You put this ring on my finger. Why, if you were just gonna fuck all this up for some random slut?”

“Watch ya fuckin mouth! This is my house and you will not disrespect me in it!”

“You know what? You’re a sorry ass nigga and I wish I never met your sorry ass. My brother was right about you. I gave you the benefit of the doubt and told him you was different. But you ain’t. Sorry mutha fucka. Hope you and chick get it, cuz I’m gone.”

“Thanks for making this easy for me. Just collect your things and get the fuck out.”

“Easy? No, never. Its about to get real hard for you now.”

Tayla huffed out of the kitchen as Dallas finished off his juice. He didn’t know what she could be referring to, but Tayla was not the vindictive type of woman. She never came across as one who would seek revenge. As far as he was concerned, Tayla was now a woman in his past, and he was free to pursue a real relationship with Mykell. Dallas set the empty glass down in the sink and picked up the cordless phone hanging on the wall. He quickly dialed Mykell’s number.

The phone rang once before she answered. She informed him that she was getting ready to head out to go home. He understood but wanted to hear her voice a final time before the distance would make her inaccessible. Mykell raised the Tayla issue once more, curious as if Dallas had addressed it. With enthusiasm, Dallas reassured Mykell that he had resolved the matter. Her voice relaxed at his attentiveness. He told her that they were free to indulge themselves in each other’s company. In the background, Dallas heard Tayla dragging her things down the stairway. He abruptly ended the conversation with Mykell and wished her a safe trip and return. He replaced the phone on the wall and headed to his office to relax, as to keep his distance from Tayla.

Tayla lugged her suitcases and luggage out into the foyer. She had changed into a comfortable sweat suit and sneakers. She returned to the kitchen to use the phone. She pulled a pen and scrap paper from the counter drawer and hit the redial button on the phone. Tayla scribbled the number that appeared in the display and then hit the on button so the phone would dial it back. Her suspicions were confirmed when a female voice answered. She quickly hung up and waited a moment before she placed her initial call. Tayla made arrangements for Andre to help her move her things out.

The reality of it all finally kicked in after she hung up. She reached into her coat pocket and withdrew her keys. She unwound the key to what was now her former home and placed it in the dish on the side table. She returned to the foyer and finished lugging her belongings outside to the driveway. She loaded her car as full as she could get it, leaving three large bags in the driveway.

A half hour later, Andre pulled up. His sister was standing outside, posted against the largest of her luggage. Her face was pale from the cold and covered in dried tears. Angered, he hurriedly parked and headed up the drive. He wasn’t going to let any man disrespect his sister. He picked up a large stone from the garden and hurled it threw the air. It connected with a panel of glass and shattered through it. He turned and picked up another, repeating his vandalistic action. After the second rock shatter the adjacent glass, Dallas appeared.

“Who the fuck are you? What the hell is your problem dude?”

“Nigga, you must lost you fuckin mind, puttin my lil sister out like this. Its fuckin 50, 60 degrees out here, and she’s posted up on a stack of suitcases!”

“You threw a rock through my fuckin window, punk! Do you know how much that’s gonna cost?”

“Bill me, bitch! Let me see your ass around. Trust me, I will murder your ass!”

“Tayla, you better get this fuck nigga off my property before he sees a jail cell.”

“Lets go Andre. I’ve got a lot more than a rock through the window for his punk ass.”

Tayla grabbed Andre by the arm and pulled him toward the car. Andre reluctantly retreated. He backed out, never turning his back on Dallas. He helped to load the suitcases into the trunk and settled back into the drivers seat. Tayla backed her car out of the garage and into the driveway. She put the car in drive and slammed into the back of Dallas’ truck, leaving a dented tailgate. She flipped the car back into reverse and left, with Andre behind her.

Chapter 4, Part 1: I Choose You

Please see "Chapters You May Have Missed" for previous chapters/parts.

Chapter 4: I Choose You

As the fall semester came to an end, Lelani packed up what was left in her room. Her meeting with the dean the week before was not beneficial. She had until the end of the week to remove her belongings out of the dorm. With Neo’s help, she was able to find an affordable apartment off campus. Not living on campus was going to cut into her budget, adding to the stress load for the final two semesters of her master’s program.

She folded the arms of the last box over each other and grabbed the tape dispenser from the floor. Lelani taped the box shut and slid it across the floor towards the door. Taking a break before carrying it downstairs, she flopped down on the bed. She laid across the bare mattress and closed her heavy eyelids. The humming motor of the ceiling fan echoed off the naked walls of the room.

Neo slowly pushed the room door open. A smile appeared over his cold face when he saw Lelani’s sleeping. She had recruited his help for making the move from the dorms to her new digs. Trying not to disturb her, he lifted the last box from the floor and hauled it downstairs. The courtyard outside was deserted with the exception of a group of ladies huddled at the corner table. It was December and the temperature was in the mid-60’s; he couldn’t understand why anyone would want to be outside standing around talking. Although baffled by the ladies outside choice in loiter area, he briskly walked the box to the awaiting SUV. He pushed the final box into an empty spot in the backseat and locked the door.

Despite the brightly shining sun, the cold air nipped at Neo’s exposed skin causing him to shiver. He rubbed his hands together and blew a warm breath between them. He inhaled deeply and then exhaled, clearing his lungs. Neo was grateful that the final stages of Lelani’s move were nearing. Entering the building he was hit with the warmed, heated ventilation. Neo approached the vending machines and searched his pockets for change to buy hot chocolate. He inserted his money and vended two cups. He took a seat in a nearby lounge chair to pass the time.

A cold breeze blew threw the doorway when a couple lingered in. The young lady was of average height with short-cropped hair. Her arm was interlocked with a man of the same complexion but his hieght mirrored a starting forward on any NBA team. His towering frame was at least 6’8, he had a clean shaven face, and his hair was intricately braided. Neo smiled at the couple then refocused his attention on the hot beverages in the midst of spewing from the plastic spigot of the machine. He collected the hot chocolates from the tray and carefully carried them back upstairs.

The couple followed shortly behind him, continuing up the stairs to the next floor. The echo of female laughter bounced back down the hallway. Nonchalantly, Neo paced to the door of Lelani’s room and swung the door back with the toe of his shoe. Lelani was still sleeping. He entered the room and settled next to Lelani’s resting body. He admired her ambition and hard work. Her driven personality, determination, and optimism would aid in her success in life and he knew that all those qualities could drain anyone. He lightly tapped her on the shoulder to stir her sleep.
“Hey Lani. Wake up.”

“Damn, did I fall asleep? How long was I out?”

“Don’t know. You were sleep before I got back from loading the car. You tired?”

“Hell yeah. Can’t wait til all this shit is done.”

“Well, you’re on your home stretch. Here, sit up, I got you some hot chocolate.”

“Awww, Neo, you didn’t have to, but thanks.”

“I know, but that’s what men do for their ladies.”

Lelani looked over at Neo, puzzled. Hearing it come from him felt right but it was still something she neglected to admit. She shook her head in disagreement. She wanted nothing more than to be make things official with Neo, but the time was still not right. Besides, in the last few weeks and the months to come, she knew that Neo would be a scarcity in her life. His job was still the number one thing in his life, next to his son. How could she ever compete with either of the two?

“Neo…I’m sorry...I guess I wasn‘t clear before.”

“Clear about what?”

“This. Me and you.”

“What about us? For the last four months you are the only woman I’ve spent my time with. I’ve grown very fond of you. What’s the problem?”

“There’s no problem, but I can’t commit to you right now. I’m focused. Really. I’m fond of you. I love our friendship, its great. It’s probably the best thing that’s happened to me since I left Orlando but truthfully there is no us.”

“How can you say that? I wanna be in love with you but you’re not making that available. And I don’t understand why that is. Why is this so hard for you?”

“There are things that you won’t understand. Hell, things you don’t know.”

“Well, then tell me. Tell me what I don’t understand or know. Nothing or no one can make me stop feeling the way I do about you.”

“If only you knew…,” Lelani thought to herself. She saw the sincerity in his eyes and felt the tension building between them. “Come on, let’s get out of here,” she said eluding a follow up explanation.

Lelani rose form the bed and took a final survey the room. She pulled the small envelope from the top of the desk and headed for the door. Neo grabbed her coat from the desk chair and passed through the small opening between Lelani and the door frame. He paused just behind her and looked down at her. His annoyance was written on his face. Lelani tipped her head downward to avert eye contact. Of all of Neo’s features, his honey brown eyes were her weakness, and she knew if their eyes had met, she would be powerless against him. She reached for the doorknob and shut the door. After locking the deadbolt, she dropped the key in the envelope and sealed it.

Neo was a few steps ahead of her. She knew that those few steps would keep the conflict at bay until they were again in close proximity. She followed him down the stairs maintaining that distance. The lobby was empty except for the lingering dean of residence halls. He had set up a key drop box and was inspecting the it for, what Lelani assumed was, her key.

She called out to him and waved her envelope in the air as if to tell him that she had what he was looking for. He closed the box and walked over to her.

“Miss Freeman. One of the people I was looking for. Is that your room key?”

“Yes, sir. I’m sorry that my outside activities have led us to this point. I understand that when you have obligations and responsibilities, that you have to prioritize.”

“Yes. I’m sorry that it came to this, too. I was truly looking forward to you training someone to replace you before you got away from us. But I’m sure that whatever it was that kept you from doing your job, it was important.”

“Yes, sir. But again I thank you for the opportunity to set an example and work with the students. I’ve gained a lot from this experience."

“It was a pleasure. Have you seen Tayla Gibbons? I need her key, too.”

“No, sir. Why would you need her key? I thought she was staying on as an RA?”

“She came to me a few days after she reported you saying she was moving. I think she’s getting married or something.”

“Married?! Wow. I didn’t realize.”

“She said she would be out today, too. Are you sure she’s not around?”

Just as the dean finished his sentence, Tayla called out to him from the stairway. Lelani turned toward her voice. Her vindictive smile glowed against her face. Two steps behind Tayla stood another familiar face. Andre Johnson. Lelani’s heart sank deep into her chest. Her legs started to shake and almost gave out from underneath her. She could feel the air leave her body but not return. The cup of hot chocolate slipped from her sweaty hand and splashed against the carpeted floor.

Tayla made her way into the lobby. Fixed on her face was attitude and disgust. She handed the dean her key envelope and turned back to look up at her brother, who was still towering on the steps. His eyes were fixated on Lelani’s, full of sadness and contempt. The temperature in the room felt as if it had risen, evident of Lelani’s perspiring skin. The water welled in her eyes and her bottom lip began to tremble. She broke the eye contact and moved toward the door. Neo was nowhere in sight. He was so frustrated he didn’t even bother waiting on her.

As she passed the stairway, she could feel Andre still eying her. She hurried out the door. Behind her, Lelani heard Andre’s heavy footsteps bang down the remaining few of the carpeted steps and Tayla’s resentful voice calling him back. Lelani felt her arm being jerked back; she knew it was Andre trying to stop her from running away. The icy wind attacked her bare arms, practically freezing her in place in the courtyard. Although her body was freezing, her mind and heart were burning with heat and anger.

“I’m tired of seeing your back, Lelani. Look at me,” Andre said side stepping Lelani.

“Andre, this is not the time, nor the place. Its freezing out here.”

“No one told you to run your ass out here. But since I’ve got you here, I’m not leaving until you talk to me.”

“I can’t. Neo’s waiting on me. I have to go,” Lelani said shuffling her feet in an attempt to get away.

““Stop, Jicole. You’re not going anywhere. You owe me an explanation.”

“Don’t call me that!” Her anger erupted. “Why are you doing this?”

The headlights on Neo’s SUV came on and cast a spotlight on the scorned lovers. Lelani knew that she couldn’t delay any longer or Neo will start to get suspicious. She pulled her arm free from Andre’s grip and quickly walked off, leaving Andre alone in the courtyard. A single tear ran the length of her face and down her neck. Unsure of what was about to transpire, Lelani approached the oversized vehicle cautiously. She slowly opened the door and lifted herself into the seat.

Instinctively, Neo put the car in reverse and pulled off. His hands grip the steering wheel tightly, encouraging the veins to bulge. The opportunity to break the silence at the first red light passes and it festered as Neo drove on. Minutes later, the two arrived at the gate of the new apartment. Neo found a park space near the breezeway of Lelani’s building then killed the engine.

Lelani shifted her weight in the seat, resting her elbow on the center console. She reached down and took Neo’s hand from its quiescent place on his knee and held it in her palm. He pressed his fingers between hers and snuggly squeezed her hand. He took an extended breath to settle his nerves.

“Look, I don’t know who that was back there, nor do I care. But I can’t keep playing this game with you.”

“What do you mean game?”

“You not wanting me. I just don’t understand what’s holding you back.”

“There are things that have happened, Neo. I’m just not ready to be there again.”

“See that’s what I’m talking about, Lani. Be where again?”

“Back in a relationship. Back in love.”

“Who said anything about love. I’m not asking you to love me until you’re ready.”

“Then what do you want from me?”

“I want you to choose me. Me and only me.”

At that point, Lelani could feel the tears boiling in her eyes again. She loosened her hand from Neo’s grip and let herself out of the SUV. Rummaging through her bag, she found her key chain, flipping it around until she came across the door key. The chilly wind began to pick up. She grabbed her coat from the seat and let the door swing shut. She paused.

The longer she held out, the more she knew that what she was doing to Neo was wrong. He was right, in a sense. There was so much holding her back from letting him in. The past was the past and she knew she should leave it there. Neo was an innocent party in the dilemma and he didn’t deserve the rancor.

She reopened the door and invited Neo inside. With reluctance he obliged and pulled the keys from the ignition. It was clear from his body language that he was still upset. He followed Lelani into the breezeway, pausing for a moment to collect his thoughts. The heat flowed out of the door warming the couple’s bodies. They quickly entered to capture more of the warmth.

Lelani placed her keys and coat down on the breakfast bar. Her new apartment was unfurnished and scattered with boxes. Neo pulled up a box to sit on. He distributed his weight evenly over the box so not to fall through in an anticipated collapse. Lelani lifted herself onto the countertop of the breakfast bar. She nervously fiddled with sleeve of her shirt.

“I’m sorry, Neo. I have not been up front with you about everything.”

“What do you mean?"

“I’m talking about Andre and our history.”

“What else is there? You’ve told me the story about you two already.”

“Not the whole story. And I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t know if you would stick around had I told you everything.”

“What could be so bad that I would leave? You are a wonderful person, Lani and nothing can change that.”

“You wouldn’t say that if you knew everything.”

“Look, I’ve already told you, I don’t care about what you and Andre had. Its long over with, right?”

“Of course. But there are things that were unfinished between us.”

“Unfinished? See that’s what I’m talkin’ about. What the hell is going on with you two? Just fuckin’ tell me!”

“I don’t want you to be upset with me. This is hard for me to say to you. I’ve never told anyone…not even my parents.”

“So what’s the big secret? I’m not going to judge you.”

“First, let me say that I do want you. Its just that being with you is a little more complicated than just saying it. And, before you make a final decision about wanting me, I feel like I need to tell you the whole story.”

“I’m listening.”

Taking in a long, deep breath, Lelani prepared herself for the harsh reality that she was about to expose to Neo. Her story would either clear the air between them or it would obliterate the undefined relationship for good. She fearfully began to tell her tale, pausing only briefly to choke back tears.

With every word, her body grew weary. Her palms clammed and her nerves were uneasy. Neo looked up from his view of the floor to see Lelani shaking nervously on the counter, as she confessed. Tears poured from her eyes, accompanied by mucous dripping from the tip of her nose. He couldn’t help but want to comfort her as she bore her soul to him. He never imagined that her testimony could affect her so emotionally, or him for that matter. Pushing his anger to the back of his mind, he stood from the box and made his way over to Lelani.

He lifted her face with his hand and cradled it in his palm. He soothed her trembling bottom lip with his finger, stroking it lightly. He pulled her body close to his and stroked the back of her head, smoothing the hair down her neck. At that moment, Lelani realized that she was safe in Neo’s care. She relaxed and let her body be comforted by him. Everything felt right.

She buried her face into his shoulder and softly whispered, “I choose you. Please care for me like I deserve.”

“I will, for as long as you want me to or God wills it.”

Chapter 3 Part 2

Please see "Chapters You May Have Missed..." for previous chapters/parts.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

Dayshawn swung around to see Mykell standing behind him. She was dressed in a deep brown bikini and her hair was pulled up in a ponytail with a few curly strays that fell across her brow. Her makeup was flawless, but the attitude in her face took her beauty down a few notches. Still D couldn’t help but smile at the site of Mykell’s contempt.

“I’m here with a friend. What are you doing here?”

“I’m working.”

“Working?”

“Yeah! Real people do have jobs, nigga.”

“Aight, Miss Attitude. And for your information I do have a job.”

“What…tricking?”

“Pimpin’ is a full-time job, baby girl.”

“You ain’t no fuckin pimp. Sorry ass nigga.”

“If that makes you feel better, keep telling yourself that.”

Mykell walked off with more disgust for D than she had when she approached him. Dayshawn turned his attention back to Anja. She was no longer poolside. Determined to find and speak with her, d wandered back into the house. He heard the echo of Anja’s voice in the kitchen. Just the sound of her strong accent projected imaes of him and her naked, sprawled out on an exotic beach in the Caribbean.

He felt himself growing harder with her every word. Nothing was gonna stop him from feeling Anja’s body all over his. He eagerly hurried into the kitchen to find Anja lightly winding her hips to the beat of the music playing outside. Her hands were picking grapes from a bunch and popping them into her mouth. Dayshawn stared into her mouth, watching her tongue caress the grape then slowly lick her lips.

Anja noticed that D was hypnotized by her good looks. In an attempt to entertain her houseguest, she danced her way over to D and swayed her hips as if inviting him to a accompany her in dance. Without hesitation, Dayshawn gripped her hips and followed her rhythm. His erection grew with every brush of her ass against his jeans. Anja leaned her head against his chest and grabbed his jeans with a tug. The clearing kitchen went unnoticed from the two enticed souls. Their dance became more intimate; their hands tugged at each others clothing.

Dayshawn spun Anja around to admire her body in more detail. Her front view was luscious and mature. Anja looked up at Dayshawn’s manly frame yearning for him to take her, right there in the kitchen. D obliged her silent request. His lips found their way down her neck. Anja’s skin looked and tasted like creamy, dark chocolate. His tongue skimmed the rounds of her breasts and his hand stroked down her backside.

Gripping her thighs, Dayshawn pulled Anja atop the counter and spread her legs apart. He reached up and pulled her bikini top back, exposing her breast fully; they stood firmly & welcoming. Continuing with expertise, D proceeded to pleasure Anja’s body, lapping at the youthful body of his counterpart.

“What chu waitin on, boy?”

Without any more words, D snatch the bottom half of the bikini to the side. He pushed Anja’s body down on the marble counter and buried his face into her. Her juices flowed like a river. This was a first for him; never had he given a woman oral sex. But enjoyed Anja’s taste with great pleasure. Just as she had did in their dance, Anja grinded down on D’s face, pushing his tongue deeper inside.

Anja’s back began to arch, which pushed her free flowing breasts further in the air. He legs sat perched on the edge of the countertop. D, still diving head first inside of her, grew in his jeans. He stopped his oral internal exploration of Anja to rip the belt from it’s secured place in the belt loops of his jeans. Gracefully, he wiggled free his pants, pulling a condom from a pocket before letting them hit the floor.

With one thumb massaging Anja’s pussy lips and the other hand rolling on the latex guard, Dayshawn admired Anja’s excited body. Beads of sweat collected between her breasts. He reached up from spreading the moisture amid her legs and gripped her shoulder, thrusting himself deep inside her. Anja looked down at the action happening at the edging of the marble. A smile appeared on her face as she let out a laugh.

“Iz tat it? All tat bulge and not ting behind it?”

“What?!?” replied Dayshawn in shock.

“Chu’ve got me all hyped up fo not ting! Silly lil boy.”

Dayshawn stopped exerting his energy as his dick deflated in shame. Anja’s hysterical laughing added to his embarrassment and forced him to withdraw from her body. He reached down quickly and gathered his pants in a hurry. As he swiftly located the bathroom, D could hear Anja’s echoing laughter in the kitchen. He slammed the door shut and turned the water on in the faucet. He splashed the water on his face trying to wash the look of humiliation from his expression.

“How could I be so weak?” he questioned silently. Anja had just played him for some punk and he ran out like a bitch. There was no way he could walk back into the presence of the other guests and still look confident. He needed to leave but Torrance was his only ride back to Miami. Dayshawn juggled the dilemma in his head until a knock came at the bathroom door.

“D…you in there?”

“Uhhh, yeah. I’ll be out in a minute.”

“You sure you’re ok? Anja said that you weren’t feeling well.”

“Yeah, I think it’s the liquor from last night coming back.”

“Open the door, baby, and let me in.”

“Naw, Torrance, I’m good, ma. I’ll be out in minute.”

D didn’t understand. Why did Anja tell Torrance that he was sick? She had the opportunity to out him as a weak ass nigga and didn’t. Dayshawn got himself together and left the comfort of the restroom. Torrance stood against the wall adjacent to the bathroom. She looked at D with concern.

“You sure you’re ok? You don’t look ok.”

“Yeah, ma. I’m good.”

“Anja told us that you were in the kitchen and just started feeling sick? What you eat?”

“Uhhh…Nothing really. That’s all she told you?”

“Yeah. Do you want to go home? I mean I can leave if you’re not feeling good.”

“No. I’ll be fine. Maybe I just need some water or something.”

“Well, go see what the bartender can make you. I’ve got to get the next set ready upstairs.”

“Aight.”

D cautiously walked outside to the cabana. He saw Anja standing on the opposite side of the pool chatting with the photographer. He quickly turned away when their eyes met. Sitting on a stool at the bar was Mykell. When she saw d coming, she hurriedly got up and walked away. The tension between D and Mykell stung his ego. What was he doing wrong?

He requested a ginger ale from the bartender and down it in one shot. His stomach was still in knots and his ego was bruised. Mykell’s avoidance of him and the resonance of Anja’s laughter in his head was making him feel unlike the pimp her proclaimed himself to be. He needed to redeem himself…and fast.

The music played on as D excused himself from the company of the array of models walking around. His attention of regaining his mental status was redirected. He found himself looking over her doing her job. Torrance finished the bedroom setup so that the photo shoot could move indoors. Dayshawn had other plans.

“Damn. Did I forget to tell you how good you look in the dress?”

“You must be feeling better?”

“I’m feeling much better looking at you bent over in that dress.”

“Really?” Torrance said smoothing out the back of her dress to assure that everything was covered.

“Yeah. But I think it would look better on the floor.”

Torrance smiled in approval. She stood and turned towards D. D stepped completely into the room and closed the door. He reached out and wrapped his arm around Torrance’s waist. Her wavy hair draped down her back and over her shoulders. Starting at her temple, he ran his fingers through her hair, brushing it back off her shoulders and resting his hand there. With his free hand her grabbed her neck and pulled her face closer to his.

Again doing another first, Dayshawn kissed Torrance with passion; his tongue entered her mouth and found a new friend. D was never one for kissing, and tongue kissing was an extreme he had never ventured into. He felt Torrance’s nails scrawl down his back. The pain was enjoyable.

He reached under the dress and pulled her panties down to her ankles. Torrance instinctively stepped out of her panties and took a seat on the bed. Without delay, D un-strapped his pants and pushed them down to his knees. He positioned himself on top of Torrance and wasted no time. He pinned her hands above her head with one hand and steadied himself with the other.
Torrance moaned in delight. Her satisfaction in Dayshawn’s performance was bringing his ego back to homeostasis. He continued to stroke her body getting more aroused with every drive. Her legs were cocked in the air when the door flew open.

“What the hell is going on in here?”

“I’m so sorry Mr. Dickson. I…I… don’t…”

“Torrance, get up! You’re holding up my shoot.”

“My apologies, Mr. Dickson,” Torrance stuttered scrounging for her panties.

“Who are you?” Dallas asked Dayshawn.

“Dayshawn, sir. I didn’t mean to disrespect your set.”

“No disrespect. Just wish you had done it somewhere other than my set.”

“My bad. It won’t happen again.”

“Well, at least not on one of my sets.”

Dayshawn and Torrance finished collecting themselves and stammered out of the bedroom. Down the hall, Mykell and the other models snickered at the interruption. Despite the adverse situation, D felt his ego and reputation returning. It was better to be caught fucking a beautiful woman than to receive criticism for not getting the job done. He walked with his head bobbing in satisfaction.

The photo shoot in West Palm wrapped later that night. After enjoying a late dinner at an upscale restaurant, the crew of models, Torrance, Dallas, Dayshawn and their host, Anja, kept the night going at a fly nightclub. The bunch began to relax after a few rounds of shots and a couple bottles of chilled champagne. The DJ played the hottest music and everyone seemed to be having a great time.

The club got rowdy when a popular song was mixed into play, creating a rush to the center dance floor. Mykell jumped at the chance to release some energy. She squeezed in next to Anja and another model on the dance floor. The rhythm of the music overtook her body and she glided across the floor with poise and sex appeal. She could feel the eyes of onlookers checking her out as she enjoyed the sounds and lyrics blasting from the speakers.

Dallas joined the girls on the dance arena. Anja and Mykell took the liberty of starting a sandwich with the sexy heap of man. The excitement grew sexual as the dancing progressed. Anja retreated back in the VIP, leaving Dallas and Mykell to finish the heated ritual.

Sweat from Mykell’s back ran down her spine into the hands of Dallas who was holding on tightly to her. The ride of her breast rubbed up against the fabric of his shirt instantly making her nipples stand. Their pelvis’ ground against each other in sync with the music. Mykell could feel the bulge trying to escape from behind the zipper of Dallas’ pants.

“We got to get you in some videos, girl.”

“What?”

“They way you dancing…we got to get you in some videos.”

“Oh. Well you’re the agent. Do what you do.”

“Have you given any more thought to the exclusion in your contract?”

“The nude shit?”

“Yeah. Have you given it more thought? I think you could make a lot more money if we add that back into your contract.”

“Look, I’m ok with adding it as long as there’s no porn.”

“No what?”

“NO PORN.”

“Naw, I run a clean business. I promise you…no porn.”

“Then you have a deal, Mr. Dickson.”

“I told you to call me Dallas.”

“Ok, Dallas.”

The look in his eye was one of fury. Dayshawn watched as Dallas got down with Mykell. He could see how she was enjoying Dallas’ company, allowing him to feel all over her body. Torrance stood in front of him, slightly obstructing his view of Mykell and Dallas, giving him a improvised lap dance; Dayshawn’s attention was directed far from the woman standing less than a foot away from him.

Mykell smiled with enjoyment and seemed to be having a great time with her agent. Things were heating up between them, in turn making D even more upset. His ego couldn’t take much more; he needed to halt the rising heat. Pushing pass Torrance, Dayshawn joined Mykell and Dallas on the dance floor.

Mykell turned up the seduction when she saw the D had joined them. She moved Dallas’s hand from the small of her back to the round of her ass. Slinging her arm around his neck, she poured on the sex appeal and pushed her hips even further closer to him. Dallas accepted the erotic enticement and took firm hold of Mykell.

In the shadows, Dayshawn made his move. He positioned himself behind Mykell, dancing in beat with the music. Leaning in, he whispered in her ear. Mykell threw her head back in laughter. Dayshawn was not going to be ignored, much less insulted. He grabbed her elbow and swung her around.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“I’m having a great time.”

“How you just gonna show your ass out here like this?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about..”

“Oh no. You’re practically fuckin dude out here.”

“So. I do recall someone getting caught fuckin back at the mansion!”

“So what! That’s my pussy you’re out here flauntin.”

“Your pussy? Whateva. Torrance is the only bitch out here that you’ll ever fuck again!”

“Bitch, you losing your mind if you think I’m just gonna sit back while you put ya pussy all in another nigga’s face!”

“Well, haul ass then, nigga, cuz your rights to this pussy are null and void.”

“Who the fuck you think you talkin to like that? You a sorry bitch anyway.”

“Look who’s talkin. Little dick nigga. And I wish you would call me out my name again.”

Before Dayshawn could say anything else, Dallas stepped between them. He pushed Mykell into the arms of another model, who hauled her off to the ladies room, then turned to confront D. Dallas’ large, muscular frame towered slightly over his contender.

“I’m not one for getting in the mix of someone else’s shit, but look, dawg, you need to step off.”

“Man, you don’t wanna see me, cuz.”

“You right, becuz I would demolish your punk ass. So why don’t you just finish the evening with Torrance and leave Mykell alone.”

“Man, fuck you nigga. You just some broke down wannabe. I’m the real deal.”

“Aight, if that’s how you see it. It is what it is.”

“Man fuck this shit.”

Intimidated, Dayshawn headed for the exit. The night was spoiled by Mykell’s antics and he was ready to go back to Miami. He pushed through the crowd of people and stormed out of the nightclub. A bouncer standing at the exit threw him a smirk and a nod to send him off. Outside Dayshawn flipped open his cell phone and sent Torrance a text message.

“Aye, man, I’m ready to go. I’m outside waitin on you.”

“Why you wanna leave? What happened?”

“Just come outside. This shit is wack.”

“I’m on my way out.”

Torrance exited the club and looked around for Dayshawn. He was posted up across the parking lot waiting against a tree. She huffed over to him with a visible attitude. Without saying anything, their eyes connected through the darkness, both sending a message of aggravation. The silence continued between them the entire ride back to Miami.

Back inside the club, Mykell and the other models were comfortably lounging in the VIP. The hostess brought over another bottle of champagne to top off the guests glasses. Mykell down her glass without thought or hesitation. She returned her glass to the tray table and rested her head against the plush sofa. Her attempts to drown out the memory of Dayshawn with alcohol was becoming unsuccessful.

Dallas saw the distress in her face and yearned to comfort her. He refilled her glass and took the seat next to her on the sofa. R Kelly’s “Slow Dance” began to play setting the mood for Dallas’ next move. He silently offered her the glass of champagne, in which she took and sipped; her eyes locked onto his. Dallas mouthed the words of the song, seductively. His hand rested on Mykell’s knee, softly stroking it with his finger tips.

“Thanks for handling that shit with D.”

“My pleasure. How you girls get fucked up with niggas like him, I’ll never understand.”

“Luck of the draw I guess. I hope Torrance got some sense.”

“Probably not.”

“Why you say that? She’s got to be somewhat smart if you hired her, right?”

“She’s hungry, I give you that, but not hungry enough or even for the right reasons.”

“You’re hungry too, I see.”

“Yeah, but for something totally different.”

“Really? What’s that?”

“You.”

Mykell smiled at Dallas’s flattery. She knew that if she wanted him, she could have him. His hand was making its way up her thigh and at that point she knew that her agent was moving in for additional rights…rights as her lover. She didn’t intend to stop him, but for some reason Dallas hesitated and pulled back.

Tayla hit the send button on her cell phone one last time before slamming it shut and tossing it back on bedside table. She had called Dallas numerous times and sent endless text messages, but received no response. Her temper was starting to rise and the feeling of anger grew in her heart. Why had he not called or returned her calls and texts? What was keeping him away from her?
She rested her back against the pillows and immersed herself in thoughts of Dallas. She knew that he was in West Palm Beach doing a shoot but it was almost 3 am and she hadn’t heard from him since he left that afternoon. Business or no business, if she was going to be his wife, she wanted him to check in with her. She was going to have to deal with him in her own way.

The thought of Dallas being out with a flock of women did not sit well with her. Tayla lay in bed restless. She sat up and picked up her phone to make one last phone call. She had no idea how he would react to her calling so late but there wasn’t anyone else she felt comfortable calling this early in the morning. The other end rang several times before a groggy voice answered.

“What’s up?”

“Hey, Dre. Sorry to call you so late. Was you sleeping.”

“Tayla, whats wrong?”

“Why does there have to be something wrong?”

“Because you don’t call me at no 3 am if you just wanted to talk. So whats wrong?”

“I don’t know. I’m just upset. I don’t wanna bother you.”

“Aye now, woman you better get to talkin before I get in my car and come down there. Something’s wrong, now tell me.”

“Dre, I seen Lelani. Well I been seen her but I didn’t tell you.”

“Where? In Miami? …When? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Cuz…I don’t know. But that’s one reason why I’m calling. We got into it yesterday.”

“What you mean, ya’ll got into it?”

“She lives in the same dorm as me. We are both RA’s and lately she’s been spending time away from the dorms. I called her out on it last night.”

“So this whole time you’ve known where she’s been and you ain’t said nothing? Tay, you’re suppose to be my sister. How could you hold out on something like this?”

“Andre, it’s not like that. I had no idea what she was doing until last night.”

“Tayla what’s going on? Just fuckin tell me!”

“Dre don’t be mad at me. She left last night with some guy. I’ve never seen him before last night, so I didn’t know!”

“Some dude? Is this what you woke me up at 3 am for? To tell me about some dude?”

“Well, not about Lelani. I called for me, but…”

“What the fuck is wrong with you Tayla? You blowin’ my mind right now! First you tell me that you’ve known for months where Lelani’s been and you didn’t tell me. Then all you tell me that she’s fuckin with some guy. What the fuck else is there? Are you pregnant?”

“No, Dre, I’m not pregnant. I’m engaged.”

“Shit, Tayla, this is not 3 am conversation!”

“I’m sorry. I needed someone to talk to.”

“Look, babygirl, don’t stress it. I’m gonna handle the Lelani situation when I come down that way for Christmas. You still gonna make it to Nana’s in Naples, right?”

“Of course. How’s Cicely?”

“She’s good. But look, ma, I got to get up early to work tomorrow. Can I call you after I get off?”

“Yeah. But one last thing before you go.”

“What’s up?”

“My fiancé. He‘s been gone all day and ain‘t called me. I know he‘s out with some girls. Should I be worried?”

“Out with some girls? This late? What else would he be doing but fuckin off?”

“Well he owns a talent agency. Ya know, modeling, acting and shit. They were suppose to be going to West Palm for a photo shoot, but he hasn’t called or returned any of my calls.”

“Do you trust him? I mean…is this nigga trust worthy? Because I don’t want you to end up marrying this dude if he’s just gonna fuck around on you.”

“Naw, he wouldn’t do that. He loves me.”

“Yeah, dad loved your momma too, but look at us. Tayla, all I’m trying to say is, watch ya back and your front. Don’t trust that nigga for shit. He’s a nigga and niggas will cheat with any bitch who will spread her legs.”

“Damn. That doesn’t make me feel no better, Dre.”

“It wasn’t suppose to. I’m just being real with you. I love you, Tay & I’m not gonna front on shit with you.”

“I know.”

“So, just keep ya eye out. And if you get that feeling, then fuck him. You deserve a nigga to give you the world.”

“Thanks, Dre. I love you, big brother. Call me later?”

“Will do. Goodnight, little one.”

Tayla rolled over and sat her phone back on top of the table. She clicked her lamp off and snuggled under the comforter. Before closing her eyes, she let the images of her future husband play over in her head. He had been her everything for the last year, but she as still unsure if she had made the right decision by agreeing to marry him.

Dallas felt the vibration of his cell phone, again, in his pocket. He was so captivated by Mykell, that he almost forgot of his beauty waiting for back in Miami. Anticipating that the interruption was an omen, Dallas removed himself from Mykell’s temptation. He excused himself to the restroom to collect his thoughts.

In the restroom, Dallas approached the sink and turned the faucet on. He cupped his hands and splashed a handful of cold water onto his face. The bathroom attendant gathered a towel from the counter and offered it to Dallas. Drying his face in the dark linen, Dallas saw Tayla’s smiling face. He pulled the cloth down and eyed his reflection. He shook his head in disappointment. How could he let the feeling in his loins grow so intensely without suppressing them? He was trying so hard to make a change from his younger self but every attempt of correction led him further from what he felt his true self to be. Why was he so uncertain to do what felt right to him?

“Are things that bad, son?” spoke the attendant in the background of Dallas’ thoughts.

“Just can’t seem to follow through that’s all.”

“Well, let me tell you this, son,” the attendant continued. “If you have to ask yourself if its wrong, then its wrong.”

“Ha. Its not that easy, sir,” replied Dallas with a chuckle.

“Life’s not complicated. We just make it that way.”

Just as Dallas was going to respond, another younger gentlemen emerged from the stall behind him. He was dressed in a collared shirt and slacks, but Dallas could tell from his baby face that he wasn’t much older than the legal drinking age. Dallas secretly envied the younger man; he desperately wanted to return to that virtually carefree age. Then he could justifiably pursue Mykell without consequence.

Dallas tipped the attendant and left the confines of the restroom. The night was growing late and with the new day brought other responsibilities. He paid the bar tab and informed the remaining ladies that he was leaving.

Exiting the nightclub, Dallas inhaled the fresh air. He checked his ticket with the valet and awaited his vehicle. He reached into his pocket and removed the single Black cigar, that he had been craving to ease his mind. He lit his addiction and took a long pull. The smoke and nicotine were an instant fix. He was so engulfed with the cigar, he didn’t notice Mykell leaned against the wall behind him.

“So where did you go?”

Dallas turned in Mykell’s direction shocked to see her standing there.

“Damn, Mykell. I didn’t see you standing there.”

“Sorry did I scare you?”

“No, just didn’t see you there.”

“So…where did you go?”

“When?”

“I thought we was vibing. Then you just got up and disappeared.”

“Oh, you mean upstairs. I had a phone call I had to take.”

“Was ya girl, huh?”

“Who?”

“The phone call. It was ya girl?”

“Um, yeah, I guess.”

“You guess?” Mykell said pushing herself off the wall and advancing toward Dallas.

“I mean, yeah, it was my fiancé,” Dallas responded taking another drag of his cigar.

“Ohhh, fiancé, huh? She must be pretty special.”

“Yeah, she is.”

“She a model?”

“No. Advertising student. What’s with all the questions about my girl?”

“Just curious to why we never see her. She must not be important if you leave her at home all the time.”

“Oh, she’s important. This whole environment just isn’t her thing.”

“Why not? Its your thing, right? I would think a real woman would want to support her man.”

“She does support me, just in other ways.”

“Really? Like how?”

“Other ways. Trust me she’s committed to me and BPI.”

“BPI…I wouldn’t doubt because it is a great business. But you I’m not so sure of. And I‘m not convinced of you being committed to her, either.”

“And what would make you say that?”

“Because I know what you want. And its not an advertising student.”

“And how do you know that?”

“You told me.”

“When did I tell you that?”

“Upstairs in VIP.”

The valet pulled around with Mykell’s car. She walked over to the driver’s side and paused. Looking over the hood of her car, she threw a seductive smile at Dallas. Again, he was reluctant to return her grin.

“What’s wrong? Why you hesitating?”

“I’m not. I’m trying to be respectful. Keep a boundary.”

“Scared you gonna get caught up?”

“Hesitation doesn’t equal failure, Mykell.” The valet pulls Dallas’ truck around behind Mykell’s car.

“What the fuck does that mean?” She said after watching Dallas pull up next to her with the passenger window halfway down.

“Follow me and you’ll find out.”